Overton Boys Basketball 2025 Season Recap: Dominance, Milestones, and a Legacy Cemented
The 2025 season for the Overton High School Varsity Boys Basketball team will go down as one of the most successful and inspiring campaigns in school history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Kerry McConnell, the Mustangs didn’t just win—they made history, shattered records, and set a new standard for excellence on and off the court.
With a 23-6 overall record, a District Championship (11-1), and a third straight Bi-District Title, this Overton squad etched its name into the school’s legacy. More than the wins, however, it was the leadership, resilience, and unforgettable performances that defined the 2025 season.
The Core of the Mustangs: Key Contributors and Record-Setters
Coach McConnell had no shortage of praise for his players—and for good reason. This was a team loaded with talent, heart, and the determination to compete at the highest level.
Bryce Still, the two-time District MVP, was the team's engine. Averaging 12.8 points per game, with 363 total points, 40 three-pointers, and an impressive 39% shooting from beyond the arc, Bryce also added 99 assists and 70 deflections. He broke a 25-year-old school record by sinking nine three-pointers in a single game and eclipsed 1,000 career points, just missing 500 career assists and steals—an all-around player in every sense.
Jayden Edwards, named Defensive Player of the Year, boasted a team-high 62% field goal percentage and led the team in steals with 93. Like Bryce, he also surpassed the 1,000 career point milestone and was just shy of 500 career rebounds.
Joey Zalman, another four-year starter, dominated in the paint with a district-best 69% FG shooting, earning him 1st Team All-District honors.
Rylan Holleman was the team’s rebounding machine with 166 boards, stepping into a significantly expanded role during the second half of the season. His performance earned him the title of Offensive Player of the Year for the district.
Brody Brown, nicknamed “The Sniper,” shot an impressive 32% from three-point range, while Christian Hall anchored the defense with a team-leading 52 blocked shots, also earning 1st Team All-District honors.
Additional recognition went to Josh Cota and Brody Brown (2nd Team All-District), and Ivan Ransom and Landon Hill (Honorable Mention). Seven players were named to the Academic All-District team, highlighting the team’s commitment to excellence off the court as well.
Season Summary: Historic Achievements and New Records
“This season was tremendous,” Coach McConnell reflected. And he’s absolutely right.
The Mustangs finished 23-6, the second-highest win total in school history, and claimed their third straight Bi-District title—a feat never before accomplished in Overton’s basketball program. The win over Douglass, a district rival riding a 50-game district winning streak, was perhaps the most defining moment of the year. Douglass had claimed the last four district titles, but the Mustangs ended that dominance in stunning fashion.
It wasn’t just about beating a great opponent—it was about doing so after an earlier loss to them, showcasing how much the team learned, grew, and battled back throughout the season.
Player Growth and Emerging Stars
While the senior class led with experience and poise, Rylan Holleman emerged as one of the season’s biggest revelations.
“Rylan had a huge expanded role,” said McConnell. “He became a consistent double-digit scorer and led us in rebounding down the stretch. He was a good three-point shooter, leader, and tough rim attacker.”
The future offensive player of the year matured rapidly, stepping up exactly when the team needed him most, especially during the high-stakes playoff push.
Handling Adversity with Poise
The Mustangs' journey wasn’t without challenges. Injuries tested their depth and resolve, but the team responded with a classic “next man up” mentality.
“We had multiple injuries throughout the season, both big and small,” said McConnell. “And we played through them like they hadn’t happened at all.”
It’s this culture of resilience and accountability—fostered over four years by the senior class—that helped the team rise above the adversity and perform under pressure.
Senior Class Legacy: Leading by Example
If success leaves clues, then the legacy of this senior class is written in their actions.
“They were 75% of our leadership,” McConnell said. “And three of them were four-year starters. Their leadership was often exhibited in their actions rather than words.”
That trio—Bryce Still, Jayden Edwards, and Joey Zalman—not only delivered on the court but also set a tone of discipline, commitment, and humility that the younger players will carry forward.
A Look Ahead: A New Era Begins
While the loss of a historic senior class would leave many teams scrambling, Coach McConnell is energized by the challenge ahead.
“We have some talented returners,” he said. “But I’m also excited about figuring out the puzzle of this new group, including some kids rising up off JV. We have strengths and weaknesses to discover—and I’m excited about preparing us for future success.”
It’s a fresh start, not a rebuild. With the foundation built over the past four years, Overton basketball is poised for continued excellence.
Offseason Goals: Discovery Over Development
Rather than focusing solely on improvement, Coach McConnell is taking a holistic view of the offseason.
“It won’t be about improvement from where we were last year as much as learning who this new group is,” he said. “We’ll be figuring out their strengths and areas of improvement.”
This thoughtful, flexible approach ensures that the next phase of Mustang basketball is tailored to the unique skills and makeup of the new roster, one that’s ready to uphold the winning tradition.
Where to Find the Numbers
For those interested in diving into player stats and team metrics, Overton’s basketball data is available on MaxPreps, where the team has kept a consistent and updated record of its progress.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember
The 2025 Overton Boys Basketball team didn’t just win games—they rewrote the record books, cultivated a culture of resilience, and laid a foundation for long-term success.
Coach McConnell and the Mustangs now face a new chapter, one filled with opportunities, unknowns, and the exciting task of building a team in the image of those who came before. With a program defined by heart, hustle, and humility, the Mustangs aren’t just looking back on a great season—they’re sprinting toward the next one.
As the curtain falls on one of the greatest teams in Overton history, one thing is clear: the legacy of the 2025 squad will echo through the halls—and the hardwood—for years to come.
, and a third straight Bi-District Title, this Overton squad etched its name into the school’s legacy. More than the wins, however, it was the leadership, resilience, and unforgettable performances that defined the 2025 season.
The Core of the Mustangs: Key Contributors and Record-Setters
Coach McConnell had no shortage of praise for his players—and for good reason. This was a team loaded with talent, heart, and the determination to compete at the highest level.
Bryce Still, the two-time District MVP, was the team's engine. Averaging 12.8 points per game, with 363 total points, 40 three-pointers, and an impressive 39% shooting from beyond the arc, Bryce also added 99 assists and 70 deflections. He broke a 25-year-old school record by sinking nine three-pointers in a single game and eclipsed 1,000 career points, just missing 500 career assists and steals—an all-around player in every sense.
Jayden Edwards, named Defensive Player of the Year, boasted a team-high 62% field goal percentage and led the team in steals with 93. Like Bryce, he also surpassed the 1,000 career point milestone and was just shy of 500 career rebounds.
Joey Zalman, another four-year starter, dominated in the paint with a district-best 69% FG shooting, earning him 1st Team All-District honors.
Rylan Holleman was the team’s rebounding machine with 166 boards, stepping into a significantly expanded role during the second half of the season. His performance earned him the title of Offensive Player of the Year for the district.
Brody Brown, nicknamed “The Sniper,” shot an impressive 32% from three-point range, while Christian Hall anchored the defense with a team-leading 52 blocked shots, also earning 1st Team All-District honors.
Additional recognition went to Josh Cota and Brody Brown (2nd Team All-District), and Ivan Ransom and Landon Hill (Honorable Mention). Seven players were named to the Academic All-District team, highlighting the team’s commitment to excellence off the court as well.
Season Summary: Historic Achievements and New Records
“This season was tremendous,” Coach McConnell reflected. And he’s absolutely right.
The Mustangs finished 23-6, the second-highest win total in school history, and claimed their third straight Bi-District title—a feat never before accomplished in Overton’s basketball program. The win over Douglass, a district rival riding a 50-game district winning streak, was perhaps the most defining moment of the year. Douglass had claimed the last four district titles, but the Mustangs ended that dominance in stunning fashion.
It wasn’t just about beating a great opponent—it was about doing so after an earlier loss to them, showcasing how much the team learned, grew, and battled back throughout the season.
Player Growth and Emerging Stars
While the senior class led with experience and poise, Rylan Holleman emerged as one of the season’s biggest revelations.
“Rylan had a huge expanded role,” said McConnell. “He became a consistent double-digit scorer and led us in rebounding down the stretch. He was a good three-point shooter, leader, and tough rim attacker.”
The future offensive player of the year matured rapidly, stepping up exactly when the team needed him most, especially during the high-stakes playoff push.
Handling Adversity with Poise
The Mustangs' journey wasn’t without challenges. Injuries tested their depth and resolve, but the team responded with a classic “next man up” mentality.
“We had multiple injuries throughout the season, both big and small,” said McConnell. “And we played through them like they hadn’t happened at all.”
It’s this culture of resilience and accountability—fostered over four years by the senior class—that helped the team rise above the adversity and perform under pressure.
Senior Class Legacy: Leading by Example
If success leaves clues, then the legacy of this senior class is written in their actions.
“They were 75% of our leadership,” McConnell said. “And three of them were four-year starters. Their leadership was often exhibited in their actions rather than words.”
That trio—Bryce Still, Jayden Edwards, and Joey Zalman—not only delivered on the court but also set a tone of discipline, commitment, and humility that the younger players will carry forward.
A Look Ahead: A New Era Begins
While the loss of a historic senior class would leave many teams scrambling, Coach McConnell is energized by the challenge ahead.
“We have some talented returners,” he said. “But I’m also excited about figuring out the puzzle of this new group, including some kids rising up off JV. We have strengths and weaknesses to discover—and I’m excited about preparing us for future success.”
It’s a fresh start, not a rebuild. With the foundation built over the past four years, Overton basketball is poised for continued excellence.
Offseason Goals: Discovery Over Development
Rather than focusing solely on improvement, Coach McConnell is taking a holistic view of the offseason.
“It won’t be about improvement from where we were last year as much as learning who this new group is,” he said. “We’ll be figuring out their strengths and areas of improvement.”
This thoughtful, flexible approach ensures that the next phase of Mustang basketball is tailored to the unique skills and makeup of the new roster, one that’s ready to uphold the winning tradition.
Where to Find the Numbers
For those interested in diving into player stats and team metrics, Overton’s basketball data is available on MaxPreps, where the team has kept a consistent and updated record of its progress.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember
The 2025 Overton Boys Basketball team didn’t just win games—they rewrote the record books, cultivated a culture of resilience, and laid a foundation for long-term success.
Coach McConnell and the Mustangs now face a new chapter, one filled with opportunities, unknowns, and the exciting task of building a team in the image of those who came before. With a program defined by heart, hustle, and humility, the Mustangs aren’t just looking back on a great season—they’re sprinting toward the next one.
As the curtain falls on one of the greatest teams in Overton history, one thing is clear: the legacy of the 2025 squad will echo through the halls—and the hardwood—for years to come.)
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